If you let the machine run for two minutes or longer without spraying water, then you could damage the pump.
Running the pressure washer without the water hose attached and the water turned on will cause the pump to run dry, damaging it. Don't do that! Probably nothing but there is a chance of overheating the pump piston and ruining the pump.
All power washing equipment requires a steady flow of water. Yes, our machines do increase the water pressure compared to your home's faucets. However, if your well has low pressure and the flow of water drops to a trickle, it could damage any power washing equipment.
Does the well “running dry” do any damage? Yes, it can. Running the well pump when there isn't water to pump can damage the pump itself which can cause it to burn out prematurely. Well pumps can be quite expensive to replace.
Housing Damage
High temperatures caused by dry running can ruin your pump, pitting its housing and causing leaks. ¹ If heat and pressure are excessive enough, the housing boss may deform, potentially stopping your impeller from rotating freely and rendering your pump functionally useless.
In general, most pressure washers can draw water from any source like a water tank with a minimum of PSI of 20 to work properly. Some pressure washers can also work fine even with lower pressure since most have built-in pumps that push the water out of the nozzle with high pressure.
A water tank or water barrel will contain all the excess water from your downspouts, and they make for an excellent solution when you don't have an outdoor tap available. Most of the water barrels that you can buy today already come with taps that are compatible with the hose from your pressure washer.
Most power washing companies hook up to your water spigot or well to get the cleaning water. Since the water is on site, the power washing company won't need to bring water to your house which simplifies the process and cuts costs. Some power washing companies will bring their own water storage tank.
Clean From the Bottom Up
Using the cleaning solution, start power washing at the bottom of the house and work your way up. Working from the top down can cause water and suds to run down the side of the house, making it more likely you'll miss a section.
A Worn Nozzle
Using an old, worn-out nozzle is a common cause of lost pressure, and also has one of the simplest fixes. All you need to do is replace the nozzle and make sure you're using the proper size. Don't go by the color of the nozzle, make sure you check the orifice size.
If you let a pressure washer run without pulling the trigger, the water stays inside the pump. This water continues to heat up and will melt the seals on the pump. Plus, the pump continues to heat up, so when you pull the trigger again, cold water is entering a very hot pump and can cause pump cavitation.
A: We do not recommend using 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner in a pressure washer for several reasons, including that a pressure washer would over dilute.
All pressure washers have a minimum water pressure level that's needed to work. When running a pressure washer below this level, or without any water at all, the machine will likely burn out.
Hand sanitizers can be used to “wash” yourself in conjunction with a washcloth or paper towel. This is not something I would want to do on a continuing basis, but will do in a pinch if you are feeling cruddy. There are also waterless “soaps” on the market that do a pretty good job of allowing you to clean up.
When pressure washing alone doesn't do the trick, detergents make it twice as easy to remove tough dirt and stains. Detergents and soaps will work the tough stuff loose so your pressure washer can clear everything away for a clean, new look.
The benefits of using pressure washer soap can boast magnificent results, especially when cleaning up surfaces that may need a more intense cleaning. In addition, the soap can act as an extra boost to effectively target the oil or grease stains that may clog up or tarnish a surface.
The heart of every pressure washer is its electric motor, which drives the pump system [1]. In order for the pumps to work correctly, they need water, which is provided, for example, by a garden hose [2].
The force behind that pressure comes from a water pump driven by a fuel-powered engine, an electric motor, or pneumatic (air) pressure. Once the pressure washer is started, water enters the pump and is forced through a high-pressure hose that leads to a spray gun.
If your pressure washer won't start, one issue could be a fuel pump that has overheated. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, so if it overheats, it will not be able to do its job.
If the pump runs without any liquid, i.e., if a pump runs dry, it can be dangerous for its life and shorten its performance. In certain cases, a dry run of the pump can cause permanent damage to the pump. This may also lead to downtime of the equipment and also the process if any standby pump is not available.
Safe Options for Dry Pumping
If the pump is run dry for less than 45-60 seconds, the pump should not suffer damage. Anytime you are aware that the pump may have to be run dry to empty the tank, the operator must take care to ensure the pump is run dry for the absolute minimum amount of time.
If your well runs out of water, your home's water supply will be cut off. You'll have to find an alternative reliable source of water, such as bottled water or a rainwater collection system, until your well's water levels rise or you arrange for the well to be deepened (if necessary).